I raise my eyebrow, daring her to continue. Her finger travels up, lightly brushing under my chin and stopping on my lips. She leans in and whispers, "Next Friday, you're singing to me at the coffee house cabaret. And I get to pick the song."
And then, before I can say anything, she starts laughing.
God, I've missed that delightful sound.
I take her face in my hands. "For you, I will. But no, I get to pick it. I have the perfect song."
This time, when I pull her lips to mine, I know it's going to be different. Better. Because this time, I can see where we're going, the two of us together. Actually, all three of us. I have a vision of our future stretched out long and happy in front of us. She's the one that I needed, and I'm so happy she found me.
We've got tonight, and now I want all the tomorrows. This time, it's going to last. I'll find a way.
Epilogue: Tabitha
"O
kay, you need to tell me your magic power." Josh sits down at my table, straddling the chair backwards like they do in TV shows. Somehow, it works for him.
"I don't have any magic powers." Well, Henderson says I'm magic in bed, but I'm not sharing that with Josh. Although, I do agree that what's between us is out of this world.
"No, seriously. He gave me music. He's going to sing tonight. How did you … what did you ... we've been trying to get him up there as long as I've been here. How?"
I tip my head back with laughter. "I told him he has to do this to make it up to me."
"Do you know what he's singing?" Josh raises his eyebrow.
"He won't tell me."
Josh laughs. "I have no idea why he picked this song, but man, he's got it bad for you."
"Should I be scared?"
"Maybe a little." Josh shakes his head, standing. "I never pictured Henderson getting so whipped. Like, ever."
"I don't consider it whipped. He knows he messed up, and he's all about the grand gestures to make it up to me. Listen, I'm not complaining, and neither should you. I have a job, and your show is going to come to life. There's a lot to be said for the grand gesture. Remember that."
"I'll take that under advisement." I see Josh's gaze dart across the room to where Leslie is standing. Interesting.
I'm going to have to get that story later.
"Well, I'd better get to the piano,” Josh says. “We don't want Henderson to be late for his big debut."
I shoot a quick text to Maria, telling her I'll be home around midnight. It's been nice putting Paisley to bed every night this week. But I like this balance of having some me time as well.
Who knew that this small town of Hicklam would help me find the balance my life had been lacking? Not to mention love.
Henderson takes the stage as Josh introduces him. He's tentative as Josh starts with the opening chords. But the minute he says "Lady," my heart absolutely melts.
Oh God, I love this man. He's singing Kenny Rogers for me. To me.
I can't believe he'd do this for me. Sing in public. The one thing he hates in life more than romantic entanglements at work.
I can't keep the tears from streaming down my face as he continues to profess his love, in the immortal words of Kenny Rogers. I stand up, unable to stay in my seat. I walk to him and take his hand. It's shaking.
His eyes are full of tears too.
I use my free hand to wipe first my cheeks, then his.
As he finishes the song, he pulls me in tightly. "I love you," he whispers in my ear.
